Sound from Clutch
 

So not sure if I'm being paranoid, since i've already had the dreaded CEL problem.

I noticed today, while the car is neutral and I clutch in and out I can hear something?

I don't hear it when the car is off. Just wondering if this is normal.

I'm starting to question every sound, just don't want to have more problems.

Is it normal, does everyone else hear this?

Thanks!

If you are talking about the thump sound when entering first gear, then it is normal.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11275

Is [THIS] what you're talking about?

EDIT: THIS ONE has a video too.

Or, if you are talking about hearing the clutch movement itself (without engaging any gear), this is also normal unless it sounds odd, i.e. crunchy, really loud, strange, etc.

What you're likely hearing is the clutch engaging the input shaft while the engine is running. When you're in neutral, the input shaft is free-spinning, the gears themselves are stationary. The gears are actually all engaged to each other, but since none are engaged to the input shaft, it spins freely with the engine when the clutch is engaged. When you depress the clutch, the input shaft is released from the engine, and it spins down. When you engage the clutch, it grabs the input shaft and spins it back up quickly. You're probably hearing this sudden acceleration. You may also simply be hearing the clutch basket grab the plate if you're releasing the pedal quickly.

This car is highly mechanical, and doesn't hide it. Many sounds and noises common to many cars are typically masked by sound deadening, soft rubber bushings, and acoustic dampers and seem invisible, so hearing anything is cause for alarm. Since this car has less of these dampers we simply hear more if it's normal operation.

That's exactly what I expect the OP is talking about. When the clutch is depressed for several seconds, and then engaged (in neutral), you're most likely just hearing the clutch grabbing the plate and jamming the input shaft up to speed very quickly.

Thanks wheelhaus for the explanation that puts my mind at ease. Not used to all these mechanical sounds. And thanks sigh on rice for the links, I'm not hearing that much noise, will keep an eye on it though.